Vermont governor signs GMO law

MONTPELIER, Vt. — As hundreds cheered, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a law Thursday that puts Vermont on the path to be the first state to require labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and promptly announced an online fundraiser to battle expected legal challenges from the food industry.

The Vermont law is scheduled to take effect in mid-2016, but opponents said soon after the bill signing that they would file a lawsuit. The Grocery Manufacturers’ Association said government has no compelling interest in warning consumers about GMO foods. Another obstacle to the state law looms in Congress as Republicans work on a bill that would forbid states from passing and enforcing laws requiring GMO labeling.

Critics of GMO foods consider them environmentally suspect and a possible health threat. But many in the food industry say the food is safe, the technology boosts food production, and its use is less environmentally harmful than traditional farming methods.

In signing the legislation, Shumlin asked for support Internetwide, announcing the launch of a website to help the state raise funds toward a court battle with agribusiness or biotech industries.

“We are asking people all across America, and all across the great state of Vermont, to go to (the website) and make a donation, so that we can win” the fight not only for Vermont, but for America, Shumlin said.

The law calls for the labeling of processed GMO foods and for retailers to post signs on displays of unpackaged genetically engineered foods. Restaurants are exempt. It also sets a civil penalty of $1,000 per day per product for “false certification.” The entire product, not each individual item or package, would be subject to the penalty.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization criticized the new law, saying scientists and regulators worldwide recognize that foods made from genetically modified crops are safe. “And these same … crops have enabled farmers to produce more on less land with fewer pesticide applications, less water and reduced on-farm fuel use,” said the group’s vice president, Cathleen Enright.

In Congress, a House bill proposes voluntary labels on GMO foods. The bill would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to create label guidelines

About 300 people gathered at the Statehouse to celebrate with live music and Vermont-made Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.